DCA's World of Color

[Gemini Cricket]

It struck me that basically the World of Color show at DCA is going to be Fantasy Waters 2.0. It sounds like there are no cast member performers in it. I wonder if it'll seem kind of bland because of the lack of human entertainers running around... This (http://miceage.micechat.com/allutz/al050410a.htm) is a link to Al's article about the smaller than expected viewing capacity.

Anyone going to see it when it opens in about a month?

[Scrooge McSam]

:D Yes

[BarTopDancer]

After experiencing crushing crowds during F! this year I don't have a huge pull to deal with the crowds that will be generated by WoC. My AP also expires in mid-June, so unless things change I won't be seeing it for quite some time.

[Gemini Cricket]

Letting your Disneyland annual pass expire makes baby Jesus cry.

[Ghoulish Delight]

I knew there had to be an up side.

[katiesue]

My pass is currently expired (waiting for WDW so I can get the dual one). I don't think I can deal with the disaster it will be for at least the summer. Unless there are some seating packages like with Fantasmic.

[Gemini Cricket]

I knew there had to be an up side.
El oh el!
:D


Like with all Disneyland Report projects there's going to be some problem with WoC. I wonder what it will be... It can't destroy the tracks of Space Mountain by being too heavy, it's not a giant yeti so it can't permanently be broken, it doesn't have to clear passageways on the monorail track, I don't think anything could suck as hard as Light Magic... well we'll have to see. I'm thinking the problem will be with the hydraulics that lift and lower all of the gadgetry in the lake. I predict it will break and they won't be able to fix it for months because they'll have to drain the water to do so. Or they'll run it without some of the promised special effects working properly.

[innerSpaceman]

My friend Rik quit over this. He used to be something of a bigwig in Disney Entertainment, and he was adamant that World of Color would never be a second Fantasmic without live performers. He lobbied really hard for a staging zone under the bridge so that performers could be barged out to the lagoon - insisting the show would not have much repeat value if it were just effects and fountains and, best of all for repeat business, film clips.

He and Disney parted ways when they nixed his ideas, and I've been leary about World of Color ever since. The irony is, they most likely will add performers later in a bid to save World of Color when interest wanes in Year 3.

[innerSpaceman]

oh, and after reading Al's update, it sounds like seeing World of Color is going to be more of a nightmare than even previously feared. OMG.

I recently visited the Paradise Park viewing area, and it's very nice. But yeah, there's not much great viewing room there. I was bad enough when they were going to make you stand there for hours ... but now the plan is to keep everyone in the Hollywood Backlot only to release you in one giant stampede of run-and-fight for the hundred good viewing spots. Hell, that sounds so horrific.


Adding a third show at 11:30 pm is a good idea though, and hopefully those won't be ungodly crowded. And hey, maybe seeing fireworks and Fantasmic at Disneyland will be a whole lot easier over the summer. Um, if I had any friends that still went to Disneyland once in a while. :(


Anyways, I know I'm gonna want to see WoC once semi-soon after it opens, just as much as pretty much know I'm going to be underwhelmed. I have no doubt it will be pretty and entertaining, but I don't think it will be worth the hassle it takes to see the damn thing.

[CoasterMatt]

I want viewing stands on top of the buildings along the walkway so I can get good views of the nightly stampede.

[CoasterMatt]

Get "Pam Cooking Spray" to sponsor the show, then use the fountains in Paradise Park to hose everybody down, so they can slide as many people as possible into the park. Then at the end of the show, use giant shuffleboard sticks to slide everybody out for the next show.

[BarTopDancer]

The one positive in that article is that they aren't going to allow stragglers to stay behind for another show.

[scaeagles]

The whole experience sounds rather unpleasant, and it sure sounds like they are going to be selling the best seats, so there might not be a rush anyway. Nothing to rush for.

I would figure that they need to provide other options for people to exit. Didn't there used to be an entrance/exit near there for guests of the Paradise Pier Hotel? Opening that for an exit might be good.

[Alex]

Is going to be a nightmare because it is a crappy show or because it is a great show and the seating/crowd control is a mess?

Because I believe the latter was true of Fantasmic as well but eventually it got worked out.

[innerSpaceman]

I wouldn't say it got worked out exactly. That whole side of the Park is still a To-Be-Avoided area at night. If it weren't one of, if not THE nicest area in Disneyland, that might not be the craptacularity that it is.

But even so, can you imagine gathering a crowd for Fantasmic in Tomorrowland and then releasing them to run en mass through the hub and Frontierland to grab viewing spots for the show?

When this is revealed to be one-tenth the show that Fantasmic is, crowd control might not be an issue. But that won't happen this year. Unless of course - and don't think it could never happen again - this proves to be another Light Magic of disaster proportions. (I don't think that's the case, but I would have never imagined their idea of the Electrical Parade replacement being an unmitigated horror either.)

[innerSpaceman]

I'm reading Al's Update (http://miceage.micechat.com/allutz/al050410a.htm) again because I'm just not getting something.

DCA's going to stay open later than usual, till 10pm. Except for Midway Mania, Paradise Pier will close at 8, so it can be all dark and abandoned by the first WoC show at 9;15. Don't even get me started on designing a water show in a lagoon surrounded by theme park on all sides that cannot be seen, and will not be allowed to be seen from the sides or the back.

No, what I'm wondering is ... if there's a show at 11:30 and the park closes at 10:00 - what do those 6,000 people do FOR 90 MINUTES??? Oh, and for 55 of those, they won't be allowed to wait in the show viewing area (another show will be on).


This is just bizarre.


And really, I thought seeing it from the back side of Paradise Pier would be inferior - but I never imagined it would be non-existent.

[Gn2Dlnd]

Huh. I only hope the rest of the world is as pessimistic about WoC as all you LoT. Much easier for me to get a good spot. ;)

I've been following the progress of this thing pretty closely, even saw a run-through of the major show elements a couple of weeks ago, and, let me tell you, the show is jaw-dropping. No, it's not Fantasmic!, no it's not Light Magic. It's something of a cross between Remember Dreams Come True, the MSEP, the Bellagio fountains, and the psychedelic fever dreams of an acid-dropping NBC peacock.

That's not to say that the crowd-control plans may not overshadow the show itself, I hope they don't. Park management really needs to pull their heads out of their asses and stop looking at this as an opportunity to sell crap to a (literally) captive audience corralled in the Hollywood Backlot. If they open Hollywood and Dine, hire some live musicians, and keep the entire front part of the park open, they'll be ok. If they expect people to twiddle their thumbs in the backlot listening to a deejay, with possibly Muppets and the Animation Building open, they will have complaints on the magnitude of Light Magic. If the audience is miserable and grumpy after waiting an hour and a half on the other side of the park, 20 minutes of Julie Andrews herself waving a sparkler and singing the Sherman Brothers Greatest Hits won't make them happy. It'll be interesting to see what Disney management actually does. Right now, we're at the rumor stage, and I have no doubt that "Team Disney" pays close attention to the online chatter, just to see the response to the occasional trial balloon hoisted aloft by Al and all the other web mavens.

World of Color, the show, is amazing and will not replace Fantasmic! I can't imagine they'd want it to, Murphy was one hella expensive prop to add to a show they're trying to replace. DCA simply needed something on the order of a fireworks spectacular, this is that. Without the smoke inhalation.

I wouldn't be surprised if, by the 3rd week of this thing, they haven't figured out that a simple curtain will block the light from the Midway, allowing them to keep those attractions open during the show, and that people will happily watch this show from any angle, anywhere, and hope to get a better seat next time. After all, the youtube videos shot from the upper floors of the Paradise Pier Hotel are atrocious, and still demonstrate the mind-boggling hugeness of the show.

I do think they're going to make a killing in WOC ponchos, though.

[scaeagles]

Is going to be a nightmare because it is a crappy show or because it is a great show and the seating/crowd control is a mess?

Because I believe the latter was true of Fantasmic as well but eventually it got worked out.

I don't have any preconceptions about the show one way or another. I have never really quite understood why X has to be compared to Y. I think Y should be judged for what Y is rather than saying it sucks because it can never be X. After viewing it, if it sucks, it sucks....like the unfortunate experience I had viewing Fantasmic at WDW when we went there in 2008. Now THAT sucked, and in spite of how much I had heard it sucked prior to viewing it, I suppose I needed to see it for myself to make the judgment.

My concern is solely one of crowd control and the fact that large portions of the park will be completely shut down for hours to accomodate the viewing. I don't understand how their estimates of the size of the crowd able to view it could have been as far off as they are. Having experienced the crush of post Fantasmic crowds, I think 6000 people being funneled down the narrow walkway past Grizzley River Run as the only option for exiting the area is something that makes me.....uncomfortable, and I'm not claustrophobic.

[innerSpaceman]

I would have thought Disney would take a lesson from the nightmare they created when their fireworks show just "had to" be seen from in front of the Castle - instead of nice to be seen there, but fine from lots of other areas of the Park.

And I'm sure it's not going to be another Light Magic or Fantasy Waters or DCA itself (well, 90% sure). I just want to figure out, like any good AP, a crafty way to see it. I don't even mind a campout for the first time or two.


Do I have to go and post on MiceChat do have them read my reaction to their trial balloons of stupid ideas? I'm sure they don't read the 4 of us who still talk about Disneyland on the LoT. ;)

[BarTopDancer]

I'm not pessimistic about the show, I am pessimistic about the crowd control. I used to think Disney did crowd control right even with the mass amounts of people. Then I got stuck in a literal crush of people that was pushing with nowhere to go. It was so bad I had my first, and thankfully only panic attack.

I have no desire to get stuck in that type of situation again. So I'll wait and see what comes out of the crowd control feedback. I'd like to see it before my pass expires, but I'm not counting on it.

[innerSpaceman]

I'm gonna have to renew my pass pretty soon. I want to see the show, I really do. I'm not gonna try to catch a preview though, and I'm definitely staying away from the resort the last two weekends of June - as those are apparently the last non-blockout weekends of the summer for the two lower AP tiers.

That leaves the first weekend in July. Oh, and look at that - - I'm suddenly free Friday night, July 2 - which happens to be my 50th birthday - because I'm cancelling all other birthday plans and putting those savings towards the mega Disneyland 55 party that I'm squeeing about, and will announce toward the end of this month (everyone on the LoT is of course invited).



So if anyone wants to see World of Color Friday July 2, I'm happy for company. :)

[RStar]

Of course, you realize that many people will be off work on that day as well, right? It could turn out to be quite busy at the parks....

I'm still undecided when to see it. I still havent's seen Murphy yet. But I will see WoC at some point. Perhaps July 2nd, you never know....

And Al has heard that they plan to keep DCA open until 11:00, so that will help.

[innerSpaceman]

Why would people be off work on July 2? If the 4th falls on a Sunday, it's customary to be off work on the Monday. People are generally off the Friday only if the holiday falls on Saturday.

Sure, some really generous companies will give employees a four-day weekend. You know any of those that are hiring?? :)

[Alex]

And when Monday is a holiday the number of people who take Friday off as vacation or simply "work from home" skyrockets.

When federal holidays fall on Saturday at my company we don't get Friday off, we get a floater which I like better. Wish they did that with Sunday as well (and all federal holidays, most years I'm perfectly willing to work on Christmas and Thanksgiving day if it means a day off at a more convenient to me date).

[Morrigoon]

iSm: thanks to your post, I just remembered to request 7/17 off. We'll see if I get it, but at least I got the request in. So thanks!

[innerSpaceman]

Big Party will be the night of the 16th, but the traditional endless party will go through Sunday morning. :iSm:

[Moonliner]

I looked at the Youtube of the testing...

Dancing fountains? Pretty lights? I'm just not relating to it. I like Dragons and mice with swords. You know everyday things that are easy to relate with.

For pretty lights I'll just ride ISM-Mountain
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/_kLFlXFNWKgQ/RVZ1JrMmABI/AAAAAAAAATo/mMEz2RHqffY/DSCF2071.JPG)




(Ps: And no quoting just part of that last line Kevy)

[BarTopDancer]

Oh crap. Disneyland's 55th. I guess I'll be renewing sooner, rather than later. At least the bday falls on a weekend (which means it will probably be a blockout date). If i can hold out, I can buy my Deluxe on the 17th, and get in that day since you can get in when it's blocked out if it's the day you activate your pass. Right?

Anyone got some unused days on a park hopper they are willing to donate to the BTD needs an AP fund?

[Moonliner]

Oh crap. Disneyland's 55th. I guess I'll be renewing sooner, rather than later. At least the bday falls on a weekend (which means it will probably be a blockout date). If i can hold out, I can buy my Deluxe on the 17th, and get in that day since you can get in when it's blocked out if it's the day you activate your pass. Right?

Anyone got some unused days on a park hopper they are willing to donate to the BTD needs an AP fund?

I've got a stack of left over Fast-Passes I can send your way.

[lindyhop]

Huh. I only hope the rest of the world is as pessimistic about WoC as all you LoT. Much easier for me to get a good spot. ;)

Me, too.:)

My source says the staging area for the audience is the walkway behind GRR. Why would they do it on the opposite end of the park? I know that's what Al's report said but I don't think he's correct.

[Gemini Cricket]

I hate the idea of staging areas. They do that for WDW's Fantasmic! and it's really boring. Everyone has to stand and they try to hock cheesy wares while you're stranded there. At least for DL's Fantasmic! you can sit and have a picnic if you want.

[innerSpaceman]

According to Al, they're going to have entertainment as well as try to high-pressure sell you stuff. That's why I can't envision it fitting in the cool passageway that runs behind the GRR ride queue.

Oh well, wait and see.


And G.C., if you're not starring in some production at the time, check into airfare to L.A. for Disneyland Birthday. Diz '55 is going to be the last big number anniversary for a while, and will certainly be the last big Disneyland Birthday Party I'm likely to ever throw. If my concierge service nets us any World of Color seating, I'll make sure you get a spot - - - if you're here. :iSm:

[Gemini Cricket]

:iSm:,
I wish I could be there. It sounds like it's going to be a blast.
Unfortunately, I'm in a play right now. It's called "Once Upon One Time"... we open July 8th.
But I miss you horribly.
:)
B

[scaeagles]

I hate the idea of staging areas. They do that for WDW's Fantasmic! and it's really boring. Everyone has to stand and they try to hock cheesy wares while you're stranded there. At least for DL's Fantasmic! you can sit and have a picnic if you want.

WDW's Fantasmic is so horrid all that I would expect they could do is hock cheesy wares in order to try to make their show look better than something. If that's possible.

[Gemini Cricket]

WDW's Fantasmic is so horrid all that I would expect they could do is hock cheesy wares in order to try to make their show look better than something. If that's possible.
I felt so sorry for their "Mark Twain" boat. So rickety and creaky. I think someone should have taken it out back behind the barn and shot the poor thing.
:D

[scaeagles]

Good lord you are so right. I wanted to torch it.

[Gemini Cricket]

I laughed loudly when it came out. I think it was the frightened, worried looks of Ariel and Jasmine that made me burst into laughter.

[Scrooge McSam]

So Scaeagles and Gemini Cricket will NEVER meet me in WDW.

FINE!

Be that way

I don't even care

[Gemini Cricket]

So Scaeagles and Gemini Cricket will NEVER meet me in WDW.

FINE!

Be that way

I don't even care
No, I'll totally meet you at WDW for all the parks. I just need a blindfold for the WDW Fantasmic! The soundtrack is not so bad.
:D

[Scrooge McSam]

It really is pretty bad

It's just hard to imagine how genuinely stinklingly bad it is until you've seen the original.

When I first saw the Florida version I liked it well enough... then I saw the DL version.... with swankers, no less :)

I doubt I'll see the Florida version again either.

[LSPoorEeyorick]

Yeah, I thought their steamboat was built by children.

[innerSpaceman]

Ours was built by Oompa-Loompas!

[Gemini Cricket]

Yeah, I thought their steamboat was built by children.
I hear ya. I remember thinking: "Hmm. All that cardboard is going to get waterlogged."

[scaeagles]

My 8 year old just did a rain forest report on the red howler monkey and made one out of clay. I'm thinking in the same spirit as the steamboat we should add her clay monkey to the WDW Jungle cruise.

[Kevy Baby]

Yeah, I thought their steamboat was built by children.

I hear ya. I remember thinking: "Hmm. All that cardboard is going to get waterlogged."Being as I have never been to WDW, I tried to find something in their Mark Twain. Yeah, I wouldn't want to ride that thing either:

http://www.colddeadfish.net/images/DLR/ols-20.jpg

[Gemini Cricket]

Here it is. Try to imagine it in motion.... with Parkinson's Disease.
:D

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Here it is.BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

Sucks to be you, Florida! :p

[Gemini Cricket]

Pocahontas: "They're just smiling and waving at us."

Aladdin: "Why aren't they coming to help us? We could drown any minute!"

Miscellaneous Chimney Sweep: "Help us you bloody stupid kids! Don't just point and laugh!"

Steamboat Mickey: "You think that's bad, I'm seasick... and we're on a track! I just puked in my head. It stinks in here."

Belle: "I have life jackets tied around my thighs. You can't see 'em can you?"

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

Lucky for them the Beast can be used as a floatation device...

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

btw - there IS video of the whole show on YouTube shot from the DVC.

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

World of Color that is.

[Gemini Cricket]

If it's the video you're talking about, it's at a weird angle. You can't see the projections. But from what you can see... wow! Purty! I wonder if the lights that were used for the waterfalls at the Disneyland Hotel were test lights for WoC.
:)

[scaeagles]

Good lord GC....I forgot how truly bad it was.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Are you sure that's not a photo from Nara Dreamland?

[innerSpaceman]

Wow, I think I saw a bad video of parts of WDW Fantasmic, but I must have nodded off before the Cardboard Twain. O.M.G. I mean, there , um, I mean, oh, hell, there are no words.




As for video of WoC, I will be staying far away from that. I've seen too much promotional art for the show as it is. Thank goodness I knew nothing about Fantasmic before I first saw it.

Hahaha, when the Columbia lit up, I nearly peed my pants ... and when Steamboat Willy came round the bend piloting the Mark Twain - in glorious black & white, I literally cried.




The cardboard Twain would not have had the same effect. I'm pretty sure.

[CoasterMatt]

Tears of laughter, maybe.

[scaeagles]

It was more like watching bloody disfiguring accident as it happens, from which every ounce of your being wants to look away, yet you are unable to do so and continue to watch the carnage with wide eyed gazes of horror.

[DreadPirateRoberts]

I don't think that represents the Mark Twain, I think it's more of a caricature from Steamboat Willie

http://media.nowpublic.net/images//f4/a/f4a15ef31852e833b4cec3ac365294b7.jpg

[Gn2Dlnd]

I don't think that represents the Mark Twain, I think it's more of a caricature from Steamboat Willie


Way to be all reality-based, dude. Sheesh, what a wet blanket.

Like the wet blanket YOU'LL have, folks, after watching Walt Disney's World of Color, from the front row!


Ha ha, I stretched so hard for that I think I hurt my hernia.

No, but seriously, bring a poncho.

And a blow dryer.

[DreadPirateRoberts]

Way to be all reality-based, dude. Sheesh, what a wet blanket.

:blush:

Engineers just don't get it

[Gn2Dlnd]

^ NOT a good bumper sticker.

[Moonliner]

FYI...

Good Morning America (http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/) is visiting WOC this morning in the 8:30 half hour.

Nothing really new except that Sam was controlling the fountains (sort of) using a wireless touch pad. That made the hacker in me go "Hummm, I wonder if (http://www.ethicalhacker.net/content/view/16/24/) I could....."

It would be extremely cool if during the day guest could create their own mini-show using a dozen or so fountains and then see it play out in the lagoon. Something like the virtual roller coaster thingy in WDW.

[Prudence]

I wonder how chaotic it's going to be tomorrow? Guess I'll find out!

[Gn2Dlnd]

So, I'm trying to watch this live feed of WOC (http://www.ustream.tv/worldofcolor) on ustream, and it's like trying to watch a video on the internet circa 1998. And the screen just went black.

suxors.

[CoasterMatt]

It worked just fine here. I actually wanna see this show in person now. Good job.

[Morrigoon]

Nothing really new except that Sam was controlling the fountains (sort of) using a wireless touch pad. That made the hacker in me go "Hummm, I wonder if (http://www.ethicalhacker.net/content/view/16/24/) I could....."


I sincerely wish I understood how to use the tools on that website.

[BarTopDancer]

I would really like some reviews of how they handle the Ariel's dinner, Tratoria dinner and picnic participants.

MainlyAre the tickets guaranteed? Do you have to wait with the mass crush of people, is a mass crush of people getting out of there?

I can't wait to see it but I'm thinking the mass crush of fireworks to F! is going to be nothing compared to this.

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

The only way you're guaranteed a place is if you go with NA. ;)

[innerSpaceman]

According to K, Disney pulled a vile bait and switch with the picnic plans for opening night (tonight). All the websites and official blogs said the plans would go on sale yesterday midnight, but when that proved to be untrue - K found that all the cites and blogs had been pancake-changed to say no such thing.

Bah.

He and O are planning to get there at crack opening this morning to grab their peon fast passes for the stand-and-wait zone. Anyone else braving the insanity for today's opening?

[CoasterMatt]

I'm not gonna make it today, so I think I'll just have a Disney movie marathon starting about 8 am, and continuing till I pass out sometime tomorrow morning.

[Scrooge McSam]

Anyone else braving the insanity for today's opening?

one. more. week. :D

[innerSpaceman]

Ok, so should a bunch of us get picnic plans for that weekend, or are we really expecting to cram onto the Scrooge balcony??

[madmonkeygirl]

I definitely after seeing it stream live last night via Matt's computer but I do NOT want to think or be in the crowd that exits afterwards. That's my main concern. After a traumatic stampede situation one New Years Eve on main street after the midnight countdown that was enough to throw me from going anywhere where massive crowds exit after a public display of any kind.

I'm used to standing and waiting prior to the show though even in a confined area (Bon Jovi Hard Rock show April 24,2009) spend nearly 18 hours standing in lines just waiting so that doesn't really bother me.

Yeah i would love advance notice if we're doing any sort of package on the weekend that Wendybeth and Scrooge are in town. Otherwise i know i will see this show just won't be til at least a couple of months down the line. Since i will be out of town after July 4th weekend and July 4th weekend i will not be anywhere near the parks. (have other sane plans) :)

[Scrooge McSam]

I'm not taking for granted Wendy's suite will be on the DCA side of the building. GCV doesn't guarantee any type of view.

So I'm planning to see the show from inside the park... just don't know what method I'll use.

[innerSpaceman]

I remember the unbelievable crowds after the first few shows of Remember. We couldn't get across the hub to friends of ours at the Photo Shop due to the absolute stampede of cattle-people who mobbed the street for like 20 minutes. We were stranded, and just had to wait it out. But waiting it out is fine by me, to avoid being in the stampede.

[innerSpaceman]

I'm not taking for granted Wendy's suite will be on the DCA side of the building. GCV doesn't guarantee any type of view.

So I'm planning to see the show from inside the park... just don't know what method I'll use.

Well then, I'll repeat - is anyone interested in trying to get a picnic plan for one of those days? I think that's far and away the best option available - if indeed you find it available.

K & O were shut out of picnic plans (which had mysteriously sold out before they were ever made available to the public) and had to get there early this morning for fast passes that give them the privilege of standing in one spot for 3 hours or so later. Somehow that doesn't appeal to me.

[Kevy Baby]

... just don't know what method I'll use.The rhythm method is NOT very reliable.

[innerSpaceman]

For the record, I'm much more excited about seeing the additions to the Rivers of America than I am about World of Color. I really don't give a fig about what happens in DCA. Of course, maybe (someday when I finally see it), I'll be pleasantly surprised with my zero expectations and minor interest. I more want to see it soon so I'm not all spoilorzed than because I'm dying to catch it.


On the other hand, I'm very keen to see the new Rivers of America, and I'm gonna go in the Park on Sunday after another Suite visit just to check out the additions. Will I still get a boner when we round the bend toward the Indian Village?


:iSm:



Ok, that hasn't happened in quite some time. But maybe the new additions will Be That Good!!!

[Chernabog]

BJ and I are seeing it on June 18; we have 5:20 reservations at the Trattoria and then going to reserved seating if anyone would like to join us :)

[Stan4dSteph]

Today was the first day of FastPasses and apparently they didn't run out until around 3 PM.

[RStar]

Today was the first day of FastPasses and apparently they didn't run out until around 3 PM.

Wow, maybe everyone thought it would be too crowded and stayed away.

[Prudence]

I may be in the minority, but as far as I'm concerned it is NOT worth it. None of it. Sure if your metric is a garden sprinkler it's an awesome show, but otherwise, no.

First: if you go to the wine country restaurant, do not order the steak unless you like it well done. The Rat ordered it medium rare and it came with NO pink. Apparently that was pretty standard. The woman at the table across from us sent hers back - and they sent the chef out to explain how that's the way it was supposed to be. Uh, no.

Second: even with the "priority seating" you have to stand forever. It says to come back at 7:30, but they let people in around 7, and they were lined up well before that. So, you're not really saving any time.

Third: if you're short, you can't see anything. Seriously. Everything is at ground level. The water screens are low, a lot of the fountain work is low, every thing is low low low.

Fourth: NO PLOT. It's just a bunch of movie clips strung together. It's like the water screen parts of Fantasmic without anything else. Would you wait all evening to see that? I sure wouldn't....

Fifth: Remember how they redid the San Francisco bathrooms to accommodate the WoC crowds? Well, that whole area is blocked off all evening, so that was pointless. The closest restrooms you're allowed to use are at Pacific Wharf, where there are like 8 stalls in the ladies room.

Were there elements that were nifty? Sure. Maybe there were more that I couldn't see. But I'm basically NEVER going to get to see them, because I'm not likely to get any taller. And what nifty-ness there was most certainly was NOT worth the hassle it takes to see it.

It basically looks like the Bellaggio fountains and the Fantasmic water screens had a love child. A slight amusement, but nothing I would insist that out-of-town company see. I'd take them to Fantasmic instead.

[scaeagles]

Wow. That was brutal, but I get it. Sure would make me think twice about going with my 5'1 wife, and kids that are 5'3, 5'0, and 4'4. Seems like they would be frustrated beyond belief.

[Prudence]

Wow. That was brutal, but I get it. Sure would make me think twice about going with my 5'1 wife, and kids that are 5'3, 5'0, and 4'4. Seems like they would be frustrated beyond belief.

Seriously - if you like devoting the whole evening to STANDING to get the very front row in your section, it may work out for you. Otherwise, the short family member are going to be like me, bobbing and weaving for 26 minutes to try and snatch glimpses of the action. It's not like fireworks where you get to sit while you're waiting for it. They keep coming through to make you stand. That was over 2 hours of standing we did last night, all crammed together, and that was WITH the dining package.

(Although for all I could see, we could have come almost an hour later and I would have had the same view of people's shoulders.)

And another thing - the show was at its best when it was the fountains and lights doing abstract things evocative of whatever movie was being celebrated at the moment. In my not-at-all humble opinion they should have made that the crux of the show, not the water screens. Without any plot, the clips on the screen (which were not very crisp anyhow) just seemed like a gratuitous greatest hits reel.

[Not Afraid]

So, in other words, I could see it fine. Except, I really don't do well standing for 2 hours.

[Disneyphile]

This is why Ken and I are waiting a few weeks so we can let the madness die down a bit, and let Disney sort out some of the kinks.

I saw

[innerSpaceman]

Even when I scoped out Paradise Park a few weeks ago, I instantly realized that unless someone of my stature got there hours and hours before to be up against the bayside railing, I would miss the entire show. I suppose since I would get to lean on that railing, the four hours of standing might be tolerable.

Um, not.

I think I'll content myself with whatever we can see from the Scrooge/Wenchybeth balcony or bathroom window or whatever offers a view toward DCA, even if that means the east deck of the Grand Cal Lobby - where you get a slight glimpse.

K says it's "EPIC," but I'm more inclined to believe Prudence's Greatest Hits Love Child of Fantasmic Blurry Water Screens and Bellagio Fountains Now With Color. And I've seen for myself that a guy my size better get front row - or simply not bother. Or maybe I could bring a periscope. ;)

[RStar]

Or maybe I could bring a periscope. ;)

Now there's a merchandise idea! "World Of Color Glowtasic Periscope"!:snap:

[CoasterMatt]

These (http://www.carnivalsource.com/store/p/152408-Magnifying-Novelties-Neon-Periscopes-One-Dozen-.html) probably aren't big enough, but they'd fit the theme.

http://www.carnivalsource.com/store/i/is.aspx?path=/images/products/2270.jpg

[RStar]

"Up Periscope!"!!!:snap:

[keith - SuPeR K!]

K says it's "EPIC," but I'm more inclined to believe Prudence's Greatest Hits Love Child of Fantasmic Blurry Water Screens and Bellagio Fountains Now With Color. And I've seen for myself that a guy my size better get front row - or simply not bother. Or maybe I could bring a periscope. ;)

I was about as far from the water as you could get and dead center. The view from the top tier (think same level as the parade route) in the Yellow section is perfect. We got in at 7:30 and were able to snag a spot almost right against the railing. From there you have a towering view over everyone (even if you are shorter!) and you can see pretty much everything, including the low fountains. Sure we had to get up early to get the FPs, but we spent the day napping and didn't arrive back into DCA until around 7:15. We were also allowed to stay seated until about 15 minutes before the preshow which was very nice.

[innerSpaceman]

"Up Periscope!"!!!

Don't say that to me aboard the Mark Twain. ;)

[BarTopDancer]

Is it better or worse than SGU?

[keith - SuPeR K!]

Is it better or worse than SGU?

Those are completely different things to try and compare. SGU isn't nearly as good as SG-1 or Atlantis, but it's interesting in its own right and some of the episodes where they throw back to things we know from SG-1 make me very happy. The past few episodes have been quite crazy with all the plot twists and I'm enjoying the show moreso now.

World of Color is what I always wished Bellagio would have been and then some. Sure, the sweet spot of the viewing area is small- not unlike with Remember fireworks, but seeing the show from the right spot makes you just say WOW. I agree there was definitely no storyline as the one they had originally intended to use dissolved in the last round of changes forced by Bob Iger, but that didn't make me like it any less. It was spectacular to see what they could really do with all the tech they installed. Many times during the show all I could think was HOW DID THEY DO THAT?! It's unfortunate that the view from other areas doesn't live up to the one I experienced because I think anyone who saw the show from where I did would be duly impressed. Now that I've seen the show, I'm looking forward to trying out views from a few different areas. I'm told the area near the Golden Zephyr has the worst view of them all. I'm curious how thing look from the back and also from the Cove Bar. Apparently you can pay $10 to stay in the Cove bar for the show. I'm not sure if the $10 lets you stay for all 3 shows, but I'm curious to find out.

[Chernabog]

The fact that they are charging $10 cover for the Cove Bar is sickening.

[Scrooge McSam]

HOW DID THEY DO THAT?!

With you!

I'm dying to figure out how they do the effect that looks like blobs of paint hanging in the air.

[BarTopDancer]

The fact that they are charging $10 cover for the Cove Bar is sickening.

If they didn't it would be a madhouse with people camping out for spots. With what they are charging for the picnic or meals in addition to dealing with the crowds I'd pay $10 to sit at the Cove Bar with a tasty drink and watch the show from there.

[innerSpaceman]

If the cover would apply to your drinks, that would be fine. Seeing Fantasmic from the River Belle Terrace is awesome, which you can do for the price of a meal that they are in the business of selling. If they were to charge you to sit there and eat your meal just because there's a fantastic sweet spot view of a nearby show, that would be mercenary.

Seeing that the view from the Cove Bar would be far from the sweet spot for WoC, I think charging $10 is pretty lame, unless they let me bring my own alcohol and drink it on their premises. :p

[Chernabog]

Just got back from seeing WoC with BJ, took him for his birthday to a dinner and show! We both had an enjoyable time and liked the show. I think a lot of it had to do with the fact that we were both expecting an "awesome water effects set to Disney music clips" show and not anything particularly moving (or with a storyline).

Yes, it could have been better if it had a story, but as a tech water demonstration, there were a number of "wow" moments, like the Old Mill sequence. The parts I liked best were when they projected a backdrop and let the fountains dance in the foreground.

Show-wise we were towards the front of the reserved dining section, which was dead center. Great spot, and yes, I'm glad we got the ponchos. We also bought popcorn, which was good for about two bites, and then we realized we were eating popcorn coated in candy grape and candy cherry and candy snozberry or something, and then it just got sort of nauseating :p
Next time, I'd like to see it from the back and take it all in.

Dinner-wise we ate at the Wine Country Trattoria. I'd say, not worth it. Yes, you do get a 15% Premium AP discount, off of your $39.99 meal, but the price fixe menu meal comes with:

1) Bread (2 rolls each, not stale, but not great quality either) (this part is not on the menu)
2) Salad (Arugula/spinach fig balsamic vinegar walnuts and goat cheese), very small but yummy.
3) Appetizer: You get to watch the cute waiter at the other side of the room, since there is no appetizer.
4) Choice of entree: It was something like: chicken breast, steak, lamb, a vegetarian item, and one other item. I got the lamb, BJ got the steak. Reading another review on here that said they overcook the steak, he ordered it rare, and they said they couldnt do rare, but would do it "as rare as they could." It DID come pink in the center, what I would call medium rare, so they did work out whatever kinks they had.

I had the lamb, which was tasty, and came with some sort of corn polenta thing (also tasty), and some spinach/garlic thing, which was disgusting. Really, I love spinach, and I love garlic, and there was something ELSE in there, I just couldn't swallow. (yes yes, insert joke here). Tasted just awful. It went into my napkin (politely, of course).

5) Dessert: Teeny tiny chocolate cakes (silver dollar sized),like lava cakes, which were delicious, drizzled with caramel. And a small taste of some kind of cream dessert (almost the consistency of greek-strained yogurt) with "lemon gel" on top (thats what our waitress called it).

Our waitress was sweet and bubbly, but our dinners came before the salads (since I don't eat goat cheese, and BJ is allergic to walnuts, they had to make em special), and no coffee was offered at the end.

And that's all folks! 2 glasses of wine for him ($10/ea), one diet coke for me, and with a discount it was $95 BEFORE the tip. Honestly, you're paying through the nose for a fastpass here, because for $39.99 I would expect a lot more out of a price fixe dinner. Like an appetizer, non "taster" portions of salad or desserts, or, god forbid, fresh bread.

If the "reserved dining" section is the same thing for one of those 16.99 picnic packages as it is for the $39.99 Wine Country packages, I'd say, buy your fastpass with the picnic. The reserved dining section is a good area.

Hell, I'd say, if you're there all day and want to spend the money on a meal, get a free fastpass in the morning, eat early at Napa Rose, and see WoC later in the day. :)

The other WoC thing that was f'd up was what happened BEFORE it started. Chaos is one word to describe it. CM's had everyone lining up around the San Francisco corridor, and then it was just this mob scene around that area with NO CMS DOING ANYTHING to tell people where to go or what to do, people asking CMs where to go and we were hearing them answer "Oh.... ummm I dont know", leads just picking their butts, and then a mass of people moving forward. It was scary. Then when we were lining up for our dining package section, there were NO CMs telling anyone where their section was, and no indication where anyone's section was, so guests were directing people where to go.

Eventually they got it under control but for about 15 minutes it was nuts. My facebook profile was updated to "World of Color: It's like buying bread in Russia!" There were kids separated from parents and scared CMs running around staring blankly that didnt know what was happening. Once we got into our section the CMs were great and knew what was up, but before that point, they really need to work out the kinks.

Anyway, that's my 2 cents!

[innerSpaceman]

Bwahahaha.

Funny ... I got the low down from the cheese man the other day, and he said the organization and CM readiness was top-notch all around. Hmmm.

Anyway, according to him (and Al Lutz), the fastpasses spit out at the Grizzy Rapids machine are randomized so that an early arrival does nothing to get you a vaunted Yellow (center) section pass. Your best bet for that guarantee is apparently the box picnic deal - - which, though reservations are necessary for the first show, you can simply go up to the Trattoria window and buy on-the-spot for the 2nd or 3rd show. Seems a good deal for $15. That's pretty cheap for Disney theme park food.

Better yet, you can arrive as late as you like for your subsequent section line-up ... because once herded into your section, you are free to wander about front to back. You can meander towards the front, or head for the rear.



I'm still not particularly anxious to see WoC* any closer than the GVC balconies tonight - - -but if anyone going to see it more "officially" wants company, I'm mildly curious about it.







* I love how there's nothing they can do to stop people calling the park "DCA," and now their savior show is being referred to as "WoC." I don't know if it's ever actually being pronounced that way, but I can't help think it's a simplistic stroke of genius by the one-word theme park across the way to stick to one-word titles for most of its grand entertainments.

[innerSpaceman]

Well, now having seen World of Color three times in the span of three hours, all from Grand Cal version 2.0 viewpoints, I have to say it's beautiful and well worth looking at.

Can't say as I'd deal with a long wait or much hassle to see it, but I'm pleased to find that my overview vistas left me wanting to actually see the show from front and center ... and from some other places as well.


It's definitely eye and fun candy. And the post-finale Gay Club Remix dance session is a total Win, and seriously one of the most beautiful fountain segments of the show. The surprisingly good after-show put it over the top for me.

[BarTopDancer]

It's so pretty and I am excited to see it from DCA but there is no way I am going to deal with the crowds this summer.

[Not Afraid]

I really enjoyed see it from a) the DVC viewing area and b) the Villa balcony. There are some slow spots that were dubber "bathroom breaks" during the show, but the music mostly keeps things moving. I couldn't see the screens the first viewing but could see them the second time. I think I like it better without the screens! (Except the "Old Mill" sequence which is amazing both visually and aurally.) I'm so glad they included some music from Enchantment. That was a pleasant surprise. (<That little comment refers to an incident that I'll let someone else tell.)

[Ghoulish Delight]

So glad we got to stay and watch that. We weren't planning on it, but the kiddo was doing great, so yay!

Looked really spectacular from up above, definitely made me want to see it from the intended vantage point (which I understand is NOT front and center).

[Ghoulish Delight]

Enchanted.

[Not Afraid]

Enchanted.


No no no. When i saw it, it was called Enchantment. ;)

[dlrp_bopazot]

i can't wait to see that show in October .

[Scrooge McSam]

No no no. When i saw it...

ROFL

[wendybeth]

I realy like WOC. Haven't seen it from the ground and probably won't, but from our room and the observation deck it is way cool and a welcome addition to DCA. It was fun racing between room and deck, and there is a breach in security that hasn't been filled yet- just go up to the six floor, go to the deck entrance, and wait for people to go in using their cards. No one has been there yet to check to see if you are actual guests, so it's worth a try.:)

[Scrooge McSam]

Google maps finally has "newer" (still not new) satellite images of the resort that show the World of Color show platform under construction. The shot appears to have been taken while they were refilling the lagoon. It also shows the villas as built out, instead of just a parking lot.

[Kevy Baby]

For anyone who wants to look at the pretty picture SMcS mentions: click here (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=disneyland&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=54.22533,74.003906&ie=UTF8&hq=Disneyland&hnear=Disneyland,+Anaheim,+Orange,+California&ll=33.805517,-117.921587&spn=0.003512,0.004517&t=h&z=18)

When I was first looking, I was thinking that they hadn't even come close to starting to refill the lagoon. Then I realized I was looking at the Radiator Springs Racers construction.

Doh!

[Scrooge McSam]

Thanks, Kevy :)

[Alex]

Looks like the flyover was late November or early December.

The floral Mickey has his Santa hat on at DL which happened around Thanksgiving but the lagoon is not entirely full yet which happened in the first week of December (per my reading of park updates).

[Gn2Dlnd]

Uh-oh, WOC canceled tonight because of the earthquake - line for guest relations is literally out the front door! http://twitpic.com/23der3They really need to rethink this dining package thing.

But this is cool. A touring version of WOC (http://disneylandevent.com/woc/?int_cmp=SOC-intDPFY10Q2WOCRoadShow25-06-10@0003) at the Legion of Honor in SF tonight. The same kind of projection technology they use on the holiday it's a small world facade, and the exterior of Space Mountain for Ghost Galaxy. I suspect a lot of the music is what didn't get used in WOC. Also, listen for the stretching room thunderclap! (I think recordists refer to it as Castle Thunder)

[innerSpaceman]

Huh? They're going to bring the projections, but no fountains, and call THAT World of Color??? WTF?

[Ghoulish Delight]

Seeing as the REAL "World of Color" was a forum for many different colorful presentations, I see no problem with using the name to tie together different kinds of visual presentations.

[innerSpaceman]

How many people do you think are still alive who lived when World of Color aired on TV? How many people recognize the name "World of Color" as a Disney television show from the early 1960's vs. how many recognize it only from the current Disney hype machine?

In any event, I really doubt people in San Francisco and the four other cities are expecting a tv show broadcast. Rather, I'm pretty positive they'd be expecting the fountain show that Disney has been hyping, and in fact is hyping with this roadshow tour.

Maybe they'll have some squirt guns or something.

[Gn2Dlnd]

The full cancellation of World of Color performances Wednesday night can't be blamed on the afternoon earthquake for certain. Multiple buoys that help raise the show platform up to the waterline sprung leaks and filled with water at some point before the platform was raised Wednesday evening. The middle and left platforms weren't aligned properly when the underwater scissor lifts were commanded to lock the platforms in place, with the middle platform suffering the most damage as the two massive structures were wedged into each other at an angle causing stressed structural beams and damaged fountains. A full team of divers, engineers, and outside contractors have been brought in to assess just how bad the damage is before the repairs can begin, or even what the repairs need to be, and there's no word yet how long all that may take. - Al Lutz

Wow.

[BarTopDancer]

Holy crap!

[alphabassettgrrl]

Ouch. And things were going so well.

[innerSpaceman]

And ... Summer Failtastic Returns to the Disneyland Resort!!




(How's Murphy doing so far this summer?)

[Gemini Cricket]

.Like with all Disneyland Resort projects there's going to be some problem with WoC. I wonder what it will be... It can't destroy the tracks of Space Mountain by being too heavy, it's not a giant yeti so it can't permanently be broken, it doesn't have to clear passageways on the monorail track, I don't think anything could suck as hard as Light Magic... well we'll have to see. I'm thinking the problem will be with the hydraulics that lift and lower all of the gadgetry in the lake. I predict it will break and they won't be able to fix it for months because they'll have to drain the water to do so. Or they'll run it without some of the promised special effects working properly.
The full cancellation of World of Color performances Wednesday night can't be blamed on the afternoon earthquake for certain. Multiple buoys that help raise the show platform up to the waterline sprung leaks and filled with water at some point before the platform was raised Wednesday evening. The middle and left platforms weren't aligned properly when the underwater scissor lifts were commanded to lock the platforms in place, with the middle platform suffering the most damage as the two massive structures were wedged into each other at an angle causing stressed structural beams and damaged fountains. A full team of divers, engineers, and outside contractors have been brought in to assess just how bad the damage is before the repairs can begin, or even what the repairs need to be, and there's no word yet how long all that may take. - Al Lutz

[Snowflake]

.

So? What do you see in my future O Great Gypsy Queen? ;)

[Gemini Cricket]

So? What do you see in my future O Great Gypsy Queen? ;)
I see a highly successful coffee table book selling like crazy in your future.
:)

[Not Afraid]

I'm glad I saw it before the demise. What a clusterfu<k.

[innerSpaceman]

I went over to Miceage to see the details of the non-earthquake cancellation, but all I could find were details of last week's Paradise Park flood cancellation. ;)

Summer Failtastic indeed.



Seems guest relations was not prepared for the onslaught of complaints from people who purchased expensive dinner packages, and stuck stubbornly to the line that people actually purchased dinner with the preferential World of Color seating being a bonus offered - and so refunds were refused - - unless they could produce the uneaten meal.



Meanwhile, I ran into the Cheeseman today and he filled me in as to why water would not be necessary for the World of Color roadshows. There will be no audience. It's an internet-only thing (and he says the San Francisco offering, projected onto the Legion of Honor, will play again tonight between 9pm and 11pm - if you want to check it out via the handy link he provided.)

Anyway, the Los Angeles Woc Roadshow is going to be projected onto Disney Hall. I'm not sure how they're going to prevent a live audience there.

[€uroMeinke]

I hear the Glowfest is still doing well

[innerSpaceman]

The roadshow in San Francisco is playing (http://disneylandevent.com/woc/?int_cmp=SOC-intDPFY10Q2WOCRoadShow25-06-10@0003) right now - - -now being 9:30 - 11:00 pm, Thursday, July 8.

[innerSpaceman]

That was actually pretty rad. Catch it if you can (it's on a loop with a promo, so it plays ever few minutes).

I think I like it better than the real World of Color show. Granted, I haven't seen it from inside the park, but this projection show was pretty cool - and there's no doubt projections work way better on solid objects than on mist screens.

Also, after seeing World of Color and then visiting the Bellagio again ... I can see why the latter chose to eschew color.


I still want to see World of Color from a good vantage point. But I'm more looking forward to spending some time with Glow Fest.


I guess that makes me a typical DCA customer.

[Prudence]

We're going to try WoC picnic-style on Saturday, assuming it's operating. My friend V wants to see it, so we're sucking it up and giving it another go.

[RStar]

My friend V wants to see it, so we're sucking it up and giving it another go.

Hey, are you selling V Sookie? ;)

[Prudence]

We did the picnic thing, yellow zone, center, back tier, right behind the benches. I realized how much I had NOT seen the first and second time around. Still, it was a heck of a lot of hassle and I'm not sure the payoff was worth it. It's certainly a better cost/benefit ratio to see the 10:15 show via picnic viewing than the dinning package, but I'd still rather go see Fantasmic.

Also, people are so poorly behaved! Everyone is so desperate to see this show that they're completely insane. The number of "you have to let my kid stand on the fence in front of you" parents emerging throughout the show was rather staggering.

[Chernabog]

Also, people are so poorly behaved! Everyone is so desperate to see this show that they're completely insane. The number of "you have to let my kid stand on the fence in front of you" parents emerging throughout the show was rather staggering.

Pffft you are SUCH an entitled passholder. Don't you know that you can go ANY time you want? That your three hours is less valuable than their kid's three hours? :rolleyes:

Seriously, bad behavior or no, if someone stuck their kid on a fence in front of me, and I couldn't move at all to see, I would ask nicely for them to move, and then not so nicely, and then start with the "please move your fvcking kid."

I still like Morrigoon's "squirt gun the parents with the kid on the shoulders" idea, but that won't work well for WoC lol

[Kevy Baby]

So, is WoC operating? I thought there was damage from the last quake? Or did they already fix that?

[alphabassettgrrl]

Damage, yes, but not from the quake. The floats that raise it flooded, so it wouldn't come up. I don't know the status since then.

[Alex]

It's been operating since the next day. I believe it only missed those three shows that night.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Disney posted a pretty amazing video on their blog with an aerial view of WoC.

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2010/07/must-see-a-breathtaking-look-at-world-of-color-from-1800-feet-up/

[innerSpaceman]

The problem as I see it, is that the center platform won't go down as is an eyesore all day long (the tenders at the Cove Bar told us it's been like that since the show started).

[Kevy Baby]

The problem as I see it, is that the center platform won't go down as is an eyesore all day long (the tenders at the Cove Bar told us it's been like that since the show started).Well then, they should just rip the whole thing out ...

[innerSpaceman]

They should have found a way to submerge it during the day by now. Should the light towers for Fantasmic just stay extended during the daytime visibility because it would save some money? They could throw some mardis-gras beads on them, so they would be perfectly themed to New Orleans Square. :D



Of course, what am I thinking? I don't expect the same levels of showmanship and pride to be evidenced at DCA. Sheesh. :evil:

[RStar]

After having missed my picnic date last friday due to my wife in the hospital- I have a new picnic ticket date. Friday the 13th! The way I figure, with my bad luck combined with Friday the 13th, I will have exceptionaly good luck, and get to see the show!

That is, if I belived in luck at all....

[lindyhop]

After having missed my picnic date last friday due to my wife in the hospital- I have a new picnic ticket date. Friday the 13th! The way I figure, with my bad luck combined with Friday the 13th, I will have exceptionaly good luck, and get to see the show!

That is, if I belived in luck at all....

Well, I was there last Friday with my picnic. (Sorry you couldn't make it but I'm glad things are better now.)

The picnic option definitely worked well for me. I managed to get a spot pretty close to the front, actually just behind the area that had the "you will get wet" sign. My spot definitely got some heavy mist.

I enjoyed the show but I'm not sure if I'd jump through all the hoops again any time soon. I am curious about what you can see from the sides of the lagoon.

[RStar]

Oh, sorry I "mist" you Friday!

If anyone is going on Friday the 13th, let me know so we can say HI!

I Hope the weather is warm enough that the mist won't be too much of a problem. I've been front row of F! when the wind blew mist on us pretty good.

[dlrp_bopazot]

i can't wait to see it in october !!!!

[innerSpaceman]

Pfft, at this rate, that may be when I first see it, too.

[RStar]

Well, so far so good for seeing it this Friday. I'm keeping my fingers crossed as my life is in such an uproar right now making plans are very tough....

[RStar]

Ok, I went, I saw, I liked. It's not as "watch again and again" as Fantasmic! is, and I would't want to jump through all the hoops as well. A spot on the bridge might be next.

Lindy, I think I had the same spot you did (Blue section on the fence behind and to the left of the "You Will Get Wet" sign). We didn't get any mist at all!

[innerSpaceman]

Picnic Yellow Waiting Herding Waiting Herding and Waiting wasn't all that bad. I don't want to do it again soon, but I've got to say that World of Color from a primo central spot was spectacularly beautiful and enjoyable.

Seeing it from the Grand Cal Villa viewing zone was deceiving. It's not simply your papa's fountain show with color, though it's also not heaven descended to DCA. It's something in between, and I look forward to seeing it again from some off-areas. But the center spot is indeed Rad.

[RStar]

I can't wait for the Christmas version!

[keith - SuPeR K!]

If you don't want to deal with any hassle, viewing from the pier side near Mickey's Fun Wheel is quite decent! I recommend standing at the railing directly to the left (if you are facing the water) of the hot dog stand, staying as close to the stand as you can without entering it. From there your view is mostly unobstructed and pretty close to centered so you can still see the projections including Zurg, albeit reversed! (You are basically looking between two of the lighting buildings that are out in the bay.) The two times I've watched from there we've arrived 5-10 minutes before showtime, though on busy nights it could get crowded early on for the 9pm show.

[Gn2Dlnd]

Here's my no-hassle WOC viewing technique, tested twice so far. First, buy a picanic meal for 14 bucks, they seem to be available until pretty late in the day and they're good. I bought one a couple Saturdays ago, just before the window closed at 7 pm. The meal comes with a yellow zone fastpass for the 10:15 show. Yellow is as close to center audience as you can get, without buying a 40 dollar meal at one of the sit-downs. That meal gets you a blue pass, which is "house center." They don't seem to be available at all for same day dining, reservations are required. Bleah. Take your picanic meal, in its fancy reusable WOC tote-bag, across the esplanade, and find a nice place inside Disneyland to eat. Watch the first performance of Fantasmic! from the bridge in front of Pirates. As soon as the exit music starts, high-tail it through Adventureland to the middle of Main Street. Enjoy the fireworks. Now leisurely stroll back across the esplanade, wave at Glow-fest as you walk directly to the WOC viewing area, and present your fastpass to one of the thousand-and-one crowd control folks there. They will happily point you towards the yellow zone, no herding into the drippy back walkways of Grizzly River Rapids required. Easy peasy! I'm short, so the back row, up against the flowerbed, works perfectly for me. The viewing area is sufficiently elevated, and you can see the entire panorama of the show. If you want the front-row-of-the-Cineramadome experience, pop for the $6.50 poncho and make your way to the front of the crowd. Trust me, you'll have plenty of room to spread out. Most of the audience wants to stay out of the "splash-zone."

Fantasmic! is a heck of a lot more fun than WOC, but, take away the herding and the crowding and the waiting, and WOC's faults fade immensely, making it well worth experiencing. Plus, picanic and shopping tote! (Get the Asian) I'm thinking the 2 hour free lockers at GRR would be a great place to stash your pre-bought poncho and shopping-tote while you go see Fantasmic! if you don't want to schlep.

[innerSpaceman]

That is pretty much precisely what I thought after experiencing the herd phenomena. Why bother? There's no requirement to be in the herd in order to enter the yellow section with your picnic-purchased yellow fastpass.

In fact, if you time it right, and waltz past both the red line-up (along the former San Francisco bathrooms) AND the yellow line-up (at the head of the Grizzly Mountain back passage), and wander aimlessly for a few minutes until the yellow line is released - - you can hit the entry to the yellow viewing area with all the other fools who waited in the back passage for up to 90 minutes.

I was astounded when, after lining up for 90 minutes, they simply released the yellow crowd into the Park, mixing with regular guests, to wander the admittedly short distance to the yellow zone entry.

But in that short distance, savvy DCA guests (perhaps an oxymoron) can simply infiltrate the yellow crowd and show their yellow fastpasses at the ridiculous bottleneck of the yellow zone entry.


I don't know if you can still watch Fantasmic and Fireworks and arrive at the entry at the same time as those who lined up, but if you want to guarantee a prime viewing spot, you can do it that way. If you're good with very front or very back, you can apparently include Fantasmic! and Magical on your evening's entertainment itinerary.


TeeHee, I love how it always pays to be slightly in-the-know at Disneyland.

[Kevy Baby]

First, buy a picanic meal for 14 bucks...But Yogi doesn't BUY the picanic basket...

[Cadaverous Pallor]

I still can't believe that when it comes down to it, you have to pay to see this show.

If this works (and it seems to be working) then I predict this will become far more common. We may get the beloved ticket books back...on top of an $80 admission price. :rolleyes:

[innerSpaceman]

Well, I'm told that viewing from the back, between the fun wheel and the hot dog stand (but as close to the hot dog stand you can get) is fantastic, and old-time free entertainment that comes with the price of your paid admission, OMG!

You are basically in the center, and can see the projections (albeit, reversed, and not quite as clear). Oh, and you will get wet.


BUT - if you're going to eat anyway, there's an AP discount on the picnics, they ain't bad, and they're pretty much in line with Disney Resort food prices.

[CoasterMatt]

I'd like to make a horrible prediction that World of Color will have an "unexpected" hiatus in about 3 months.

Well, I don't WANT to make that prediction, but I'll do it anyway.

[RStar]

I'd like to make a horrible prediction that World of Color will have an "unexpected" hiatus in about 3 months.

When they change over to the Christmas version?

Or when/if that happends will it be 2011/2012 holiday season?

[CoasterMatt]

When the platform finally decides that it's being pushed past it's design parameters and says "I quit!"

[Gn2Dlnd]

Did the 3-fer again last night, with mom in tow! Bought picanics around 5:30, wandered around the park, went to DL, ate at a table in NOS, watch F! from the bridge, etc. Worked like a charm!


When the platform finally decides that it's being pushed past it's design parameters and says "I quit!"

I don't think the platform is being stressed, since they've permanently parked it in show position. :rolleyes: I did notice some continued tweaking with some effects during WOC, and the projection domes took the night off. They weren't really missed. Murphy showed for F!, although Flotsam and Jetsam didn't. Also alternate ending with Mickey staying on top of Lafitte's, which worked great.

[innerSpaceman]

I think I've said it before, but keeping the platform in show position is no better than if the Fantasmic light towers were up all day. Lame, lame, lame, bad show. Walt's frozen head starts to thaw.


BTW, saw fireworks from the Menage across the street on Harbor - - awesome view, as close as you can get except perhaps from Toontown Hill. We viewed them from right across the 5, and it still boggles me how cars can just drive by and not even weave.

[CoasterMatt]

If you don't think the platform's being stressed, you haven't seen the show from the control booth.

No, I have not seen the show from the control booth.

Not even once, sort of. Yup.

SQUIRREL!!!!

[keith - SuPeR K!]

Well, I'm told that viewing from the back, between the fun wheel and the hot dog stand (but as close to the hot dog stand you can get) is fantastic, and old-time free entertainment that comes with the price of your paid admission, OMG!

You are basically in the center, and can see the projections (albeit, reversed, and not quite as clear). Oh, and you will get wet.

I've never gotten wet viewing the show from the pier side...

[CoasterMatt]

Some people get wet watching the show over a webcam.